This book was a very powerful and emotional read catching my interest in the first chapter and constantly tugging at my heartstrings in the second half. I even ended up crying towards the end and I do not cry often while reading books. The characters all had understandable motivations and the conflict between them was largely shown very realistically and maturely. I appreciated that the characters were often able to communicate effectively during their conflicts with the exception to this being in Chapters 6-8. In these chapters Simon spent a lot of time beating around the bush in his explanation to Autumn, which in my opinion he had no reason to do. The situation was complicated for the characters but from a reader’s perspective taking over ten pages for a ‘big reveal’ that is mentioned in the book description feels extremely drawn out and a waste of time. The other issue I had early on was how focused Autumn was on the sexual aspect of her relationship with Simon after her return. I am likely biased as an asexual person but the amount of inner dialogue about this one part of their relationship versus any other method of showing their closeness/intimacy as partners felt very unnecessary and illogical. Between these two issues in the first half of the book I felt frustrated as a reader even though I ended up really enjoying the second half. Other issues I had with the book as a whole included the lack of indents. This may be different for a printed copy but many paragraphs were confusing since it was hard to tell when lines were part of the same paragraph or not. Lastly the genre of the book was rather misleading. With my religious background I could tell that there was likely a major religious component to the book early on which greatly reduced any sense of mystery. Given the strong supernatural elements in the novel labelling it as mystery simply felt misleading. Beyond these issues I did enjoy the characters and the story. However I spent too many early chapters feeling frustrated to be able to give this book higher than a 3-star rating. – Reviewed by Allison Belter
The Fall of Autumn’s Becoming is an intriguing novel that explores the life of Autumn Marie Jensen. She by the way is our main character. In 2013 Autumn disappears from Gunney’s on Route 93 Arizona. Eleven years later she resurfaces with zero knowledge of what actually transpired during her eleven-year ‘hiatus’. She quickly realizes that her disappearance not only affects her life but the lives of her loved ones as well. Her son and daughter are now adults, living their own lives. Her husband has remarried and moved on with his life. Even her closest friend is possibly happily living her life. Probably. Autumn doesn’t know either. She can’t seem to get in contact with her best friend one way or the other. The world is suddenly a lonely and uncertain place for our protagonist. In time she discovers she has the mystical power to heal people afflicted by pain disease illnesses and the likes. Her world is spinning with unexpected changes. How will she cope? How does she use her newfound capabilities? Will she ever re-connect with the people from her past? Is there a happy ending for our Ms. Autumn Marie Jensen? Well grab a copy of this book today to find out. This book hurled me on to a rollercoaster of emotions and expressions? namely happiness sadness anger and disbelief. But I’m not complaining. In the end I appreciate the book’s ability to escort me on that memorable emotional journey. This simply means that Glenda Norwood Petz the author has successfully accomplished her objective as a talented writer. The book has been professionally edited. However it does contain profanity and adult situations so it may not be appropriate for a younger audience. But adults who enjoy reading occult suspense-thrillers will relish this novel. Petz does a superb job of holding readers’ attention regarding Autumn’s eleven-year disappearance. The sequence of events is well-organized. There is an abundance of twists and turns that keeps the audience engaged throughout the reading experience. Having said that I give ‘The Fall of Autumn’s Becoming’ 5 out of 5 stars. – Reviewed by Mila Rovena
What would you do if you closed your eyes for just one second then opened them again to realize that eleven years had passed in the blink of an eye? Autumn returns home to share with her husband that she visited the doctor and received a cancer diagnosis with only about five months to live. Seeking clarity she takes a drive and ends up in a grocery store where an explosion occurs. The deafening noise forces her to close her eyes cover her ears with her hands and drop to her knees. When she eventually opens her eyes and stands up she is shocked to discover that eleven years have gone by. She initially believed she had only been gone for a few hours but her husband or ex-husband informs her that she’s been absent for eleven years. Welcome to the realm of bewildering mysteries and science fiction. ‘The Fall of Autumn’s Becoming’ by Glenda Norwood Petz is a unique Christian fiction novel that delves deep into the power of God the purpose of humanity and the deceptive practices of certain false prophets within the Christian faith. This novel in comparison to others in the Christian genre approaches the workings of God in a relatable and engaging manner akin to a Hollywood science fiction movie that gradually transitions into a focus on Christianity. However the latter part of the novel especially starting with Autumn’s involvement in revival meetings lacks action and suspense and thus suffers from a somewhat slow pace. Furthermore considering this novel’s primary focus on the Christian genre the inclusion of profanity and sexual content may not be entirely appropriate. In conclusion this novel is recommend to readers who enjoy unique and thought-provoking Christian fiction novels that explore complex themes related to faith the power of God and human purpose. In the same light this novel is not suitable for individuals who are uncomfortable with the inclusion of profanity and sexual content in a Christian-themed novel. Also those who are not interested in religious or faith-based themes may pass on this one. Reviewed by Christian Agbara
In the book The Fall of Autumn’s Becoming we follow the life journey of Autumn Marie Jensen a cashier in Kingstown who is diagnosed with a deadly cancer leaving her with less than 3 months left to live. When Autumn decides to take her own life she encounters divine interference and is given a second chance with a new purpose. However it costs her the normal life she once knew and lived. She tries to figure out what her purpose is while trying to readjust to this strange new world after her 11-year disappearance? I admire how Autumn still maintained a good relationship with Simon despite how she had apparently been replaced. Or maybe she had no choice but to be cool with him given that she was helpless at that time. But I just admire it. Some of Autumn’s words were unnecessary. The character has this sharp way of talking to people, even her husband, and it was just annoying. I loved the scene where hypnosis was carried out in autumn. I had never witnessed or read of one before now. I was somewhat provoked by how Isabel behaved toward Autumn after her return. It was way too much in my opinion. I love how my curiosity to get to the bottom of what exactly Autumn’s disappearance was is what led me to the end of the book. It fueled me all through the read. The author really did a good job on the mystery part of the book as I wasn’t disappointed one bit. I strongly advise that readers below 16 not read this book as it contains some explicit scenes that can cause harm to people below that age. – Reviewed by Jevonte Malik
The Fall of Autumn’s Becoming’ is a captivating supernatural thriller that keeps you positioned at the edge of your seat while you read it. This book depicts the story of our protagonist, Autumn Marie Jensen. Autumn mysteriously disappears from Route 93 Arizona in 2013 then surprisingly reappears 11 years later without any memory of her disappearance during that period. Shockingly Autumn notices that many things about her previous life have changed during her absence. For example, her husband has remarried and her children are no longer teens but adults living their own distinct lives. There are a lot of unresolved issues between her and her family; in particular between her and her adult children. Seeking emotional support Autumn attempts to reconnect with her best friend but all her attempts are in vain. To complicate matters even more Autumn realizes that she now possesses the supernatural ability to heal persons suffering with various types of illnesses. It’s an overwhelming job for one person but Autumn is a very resilient woman and in time she embraces all that life has to offer- -the good and the bad. The ending is heartbreaking and leaves me feeling emotionally raw. But all in all the writing and storyline are just as phenomenal as Autumn’s newfound powers. Glenda Norwood Petz is able to bring her characters and their unique stories to life. Their stories seem to flow perfectly into each other. Even the heart wrenching and chaotic parts add an authentic air to the characters and their circumstances. This book is absolutely beautiful. It demonstrates that forgiveness and reconciliation is possible. I fell in love with it after reading chapter one and I would not mind reading it again. I give it a 5-star rating. If you love Christian literature and supernatural fiction then this novel will simply take your breath away. – Reviewed by Anne Muhamad
When Autumn receives the bad news of cancer and her imminent death she takes a ride in her car while secretly nursing the thoughts of committing suicide. Her suicidal plans are altered when suddenly everything around her changes; 11 years of actual time equals a second for her. She returns to her husband and children who have all moved on with their lives. As she tries to adjust to the strange new world around her it becomes more evident that there’s something new and mysterious about her. How does she handle this confusing situation? Firstly I must talk about the plot of the book. I feel obliged to commend the author Glenda on the uniqueness of the idea of the story in the book. I mean I’ve read books about a character being in a coma for a really long time and then having to adjust to the changes around or a character dying and miraculously coming back to life but in the case of this book it’s even more mysterious as it deals with a strange disappearance that only felt like a second but in fact is about eleven years. I have never read about such a plot and that is very commendable. I laughed hard when Autumn wondered if she had been punished by a deity who was angry with her for refusing to seek treatment. It just made me crack up. The strange encounter with the dove is one scene I enjoyed reading. I felt too bad for Simon when he was caught in a dilemma about whether to go back to his first wife or be with Eisley. I couldn’t even imagine how he must have felt when she came back after all those years? Autumn accepted the disappearance situation all too quickly in my opinion and it made it seem somewhat unreal. I was expecting her to be in a state of shock for some minutes or maybe have a panic attack or something but her cool head when the situation was explained to her was just unreal. But maybe she’s a strong character (as maybe intended by the author). The Fall of Autumn’s Becoming is one mystery book that lives up to its hype. The author didn’t fail to deliver a book that would leave the audience with different questions about it. This is one book that fans of the mystery genre would resonate well with. – Reviewed by Jimmy Cyprian
The Fall of Autumn’s Becoming’ by Glenda Norwood Petz is full of mystery, emotions, love, and sacrifice. You cannot stop crying after reading the whole story. Once you start reading it becomes difficult to put it down. The story follows Autumn Marie Jensen who suddenly disappeared. After eleven years when she came back she find that her husband Simon Jensen married a very beautiful lady, Eisley. At first she felt like cheated by her husband but when she knew the truth she felt heart ache. She find that she lost everything her husband her children her parents. She don’t want to believe anything but she have to as this all is true and not a dream. You can’t stop yourself finishing this book if you once started. It is too engaging you will feel like one more chapter. The book is full of twists and turns. The author have used very simple language which makes me to read it more. All of the characters are perfectly explained. I like the character of Autumn the most. She selflessly did everything she could for the happiness of her husband. Her character perfectly shows true love towards her husband. The author Glenda really won my heart by writing this beautiful book. I really appreciate her. This book is worth reading. It is a 5 out 5 stars. Reviewed by Akansha Chauhan
The opening chapter is really a masterful setup introducing readers to Autumn’s turbulent emotional state and setting the tone for the mystery that unfolds. The clear descriptions of her drive down route 93 and her internal monologue create a sense of urgency and unease that immediately captured my attention. The dialogue between Autumn and Doctor Palmer is a standout moment in the book. It is a testament to your writing that you can convey such complex emotions with authenticity. Also Autumn’s reactions and her inner thoughts in response to the news are poignant and realistic making it easy for me to emphasize with her. The straightforwardness in your writing style impressed me a lot. It serves the story well especially when dealing with such heavy subject matter. The dialogue is crisp and clear and you avoid unnecessary jargon making the medical aspects of the story accessible to a wide audience. As I read through these chapters I found myself deeply invested into Autumn’s journey and curious about the paranormal elements promised in the book’s genre. Also one aspect that impressed me is when Simon and Eisley reunite in the hospital room the authentic relief and love they share come through clearly. The Raw and sincere exchange of words like when Simon recalls their past interactions is exquisitely crafted and evokes a strong emotional connection with the reader. With all being said this book is commendable and I am certain that your work will touch the hearts of many readers that leave them with a profound sense of appreciation for the human spirit. I look forward to seeing many interesting books like this. Reviewed by Abdul Majiid
The world as we knew it before all this began, will cease to exist. Everything, everywhere, will change. And those who are left behind, who do not fall victim to or succumb to any variant of the viruses, will find themselves fighting to survive,” declares Dr. Foster in this near-future apocalypse novel by Glenda Norwood Petz. The signs of end times manifest themselves: the locust invasion, merging hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and the virus. Moreover, the man occupying the highest office in the United States of America has ulterior motives. People are caught unaware as they go about their lives. Those youthful and hopeful like Tania are even daydreaming, sadly oblivious to the blanket of darkness spreading over the world. Jim Hardy and his wife, Estella, are looking forward to a booming harvest. Clay Bennett gives Jay Frisco a second chance moments before a phone call turns his world upside down. And somewhere in America, a mayor ignores the warning of a volcanic eruption as he’s too busy negotiating with investors in the boardroom. He’s heard such warnings before, and this can as well be as empty as those before it. As for those who know their Bible well enough, like pastor Maximillian Erwin, they can feel evil creeping by. But what can they do, especially now that the president has launched Operation Wormwood?
Apollyon’s War is not your typical apocalypse story that often ends with people picking up their lives again. Here, even dogs aren’t immune to the virus. Right from the first page, Petz depicts a world quickly pacing into the abyss by bringing out Maximus’s darkest side and tracing his roots to the Bible. Through foreshadowing, Petz offers glimpses of the characters’ doomed future, and this makes readers sympathize with the characters more. Speaking of characters, the majority are good people subjected to tragic endings, their pains spilling out of the pages and likely to reach the readers firsthand. Fay Bennett, a Washington Chronicle reporter, risks her life to bring down an “extremely angry grizzly bear.” Odessa admits to having fallen for money, but when the time comes to do the right thing, nothing stops her. Overall, these characters will be forever remembered.
With regards to who should read this book, Christians and anybody else who’d like to know more about Apollyon should be first on the queue, followed by fans of the apocalypse and biblical-based fiction novels. Reviewed by: Emily Dacho
The world has been turned upside down by deadly viruses, environmental disasters, contaminated food storages and other terrifying global phenomena. People are dying rapidly, but no one seems to know how to rectify the situation. Some people think it’s the end times, while others think it’s all a hoax, and that life will normalize eventually. But people like Sue Mason, Dr. Foster, and Fay Bennett know these occurrences are not ordinary events that will blow over in time.
They know that President Lucius Belvedere Maximus (aka Apollyon the Destroyer) is the true culprit behind these disastrous incidents. Throughout the storyline, readers are taken on an unpredictable ride, along with these characters (and others), as they attempt to survive the horrors that lie ahead of them. In rapid succession, President Lucius Maximus puts his plans to destroy the world into motion.
Just when it seems like there is going to be a breakthrough and Lucius Maximus will be exposed, or stopped, the whistleblowers are either threatened into silence or directly killed. Even though the ending is bittersweet, this heart-racing novel is worth the read. Glenda Norwood Petz does an incredible job of developing her characters and keeping the storyline’s momentum flowing. If a novel doesn’t have appropriate pacing, I immediately lose interest. But trust me when I say my focus never waned for a second.
There is something exciting going on every five minutes. I was constantly at the edge of my seat, wondering if Maximus would eventually meet his end. I breathed a sigh of relief when both he and VP Coates met a similar fate. But the moment was fleeting, and alas, the monumental destruction he left behind preoccupied my thoughts once more. Rarely do end-times novels ever have a happy ending. Nonetheless, the narration alone has earned this exciting novel a full 5-star rating. I recommend Apollyon’s War to fans of paranormal thrillers. Get a copy of this exciting book today! Reviewed by: Olivia Sundit
Want a complex thriller that will keep your brain whirring? Look no further than Glenda Norwood Petz’s new dystopian page-turner, Apollyon’s War. She expertly pieces together a sinister political puzzle centered on the rise of a potentially dangerous leader named Lucius. Tensions mount as his followers’ questionable methods threaten democracy itself.
We meet Lucius’ inner circle like Angeline incrementally through flashbacks aligning his birth with an apocalyptic prophecy. The mysteries kept me hooked – is Lucius a power-hungry demagogue or rational savior as global instability mounts? The pandemic backdrop feels eerily timely, amping the stakes.
While the plot intrigues, Petz’s crisp voice and thorough world-building shone for me. Her tense writing style mirrors the creeping unease as civil liberties erode nationwide in Lucius’ name. I often forgot this was fiction! Petz forgoes shock value violence, instead sincerely wrestling with provocative themes around leadership power plays, radicalization, and social manipulation.
Could certain plot mechanisms feel contrived on occasion? Sure, but Petz’s cerebral, politically charged spin on speculative fiction held my attention. She resists simplistic heroes and villains in favor of exploring how average citizens either stand up or stand by during societal shifts. Those very grey areas enthralled me as events spiraled.
For fans of complex social commentary woven into your dystopian fiction, don’t miss Apollyon’s War – it begs big picture post-read reflections! Petz announces herself as a sharp new voice blending tense chills with nuanced substance. I’ll definitely keep watch for what this talented author unravels next! I would definitely rate it 5 out of 5. Reviewed by: Tejas Koli
Apollyon’s War is an exciting, exhilarating, jaw-dropping literary work based on biblical/prophetic scriptures on the end times. It is heavily inspired by the book of Revelations, and it maps the destruction of the world at the hands of the much-anticipated Antichrist. Fans of “Left Behind”, “The Da Vinci Code”, and “The Omen” will devour this gripping thriller. The story begins with the birth of a ”chosen child”. His mother, Angeline, a teen mom, unknowingly entrusts her life into the hands of an occult group, and has no idea that the baby she conceived through atypical conception is no ordinary child. After his birth, he is given the name Lucius Maximus. Many years later, Lucius begins his reign as America’s president.
Unknown to the entire world, Lucius’ entry into the White House symbolizes the beginning of the world’s end. Behold, as the plot thickens— Lucius Maximus is not the person he claims to be. In fact, this conniving egomaniac is far from human. In reality, he is actually Apollyon the Destroyer, known throughout biblical history as the Antichrist. We witness Lucius as he unleashes chaos upon the world. Through a series of cleverly orchestrated events, he plays a crucial part in the destruction of the very fabric of human life. Viruses, storms, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and infected food supplies are just a few of the catastrophic global events he has in store for the inhabitants of the world.
Will he be stopped in time, or will human life become a thing of the past? Acquire your copy of this pulsating novel to find out. All things considered, this is a well-written, and utterly captivating novel on the end times. The storyline probes the subject of political corruption and spiritual warfare in a masterful and terrifying way. The character backstories and overall world-building are well-developed and realistic. The book loses a star because of Lucius’ anti-climactic execution. I’m not sure how I would have ended things personally, but a firing squad seems a little farfetched for my tastes. I’m glad Fay and her family survived it all, but it seems as if their troubles have just begun. Does this mean they were left behind after the first rapture? Will there be a sequel? I hope so! Reviewed by: Anne Smith
‘Apollyon’s War’ is a theological and apocalyptic thriller that keeps readers hooked and at the edge of their seats, wondering how it will all end. This is the first novel from this author (Glenda Norwood Petz) that I have read. It is very fast paced…as it should be, since it portrays End Times prophecy as it is outlined in the book of Revelation in the Bible. The book narrates the fate of the USA (and by extension, the world), after President Lucius Belvedere Maximus takes office in January 20, 2025. Even since his conception, Maximus’ birth foretells the end of the world as we know it. Dubbed the Prince of Darkness, aka Apollyon, Maximus oversees a chain of events that brings humanity to its knees. Deadly viruses, contaminated water supplies, (un)natural disasters, starvation and civil unrest. Those left in the end will wonder if they are lucky to still be alive. Those who attempt to confront this psychopathic mastermind ultimately end up dead or wish they could personally rid the world of him.
Overall, I rate this book 5 stars. I am overjoyed with the amount of action and suspense that have been packed into this outstanding novel. Maximus proved to be a truly ruthless and convincing villain. So many “tribulation” novels struggle to effectively characterize ‘the antichrist’. What makes this book so engaging is the way that Maximus is used to depict ‘evil’ in its purest form, but other characters like Sue, Jamie, Fay and their associates/loved ones represent the layman person like myself. I often wondered what I would do if I were in the shoes of these other characters. I even lament the fact that Maximus’ end came quickly. He wasn’t deserving of a quick exit from the world he sadistically enjoyed destroying. All in all, I have read many fiction (and non-fiction) novels on the Armageddon and end times events, but this book is in a class of its own. Excellent read! There’s no doubt in my mind that fans of end times thrillers will enjoy reading it as well. Reviewed by: Robert Braun
Apollyon’s War is wonderfully penned by its author, Glenda Norwood Petz. In summary, the fictional president of the United States of America; Lucius Belvedere Maximus, is actually the antichrist. He shepherds in a vast amount of cataclysmic events worldwide, which eventually brings the world to the brink of total destruction. If I had to describe him in one word…actually, make that two words…I’d say he is a ‘baseless sociopath’, completely void of any human emotions. There are other countless characters like Fay (a journalist) and her family, Jamie Donaldson and her family, Dr Foster (a research scientist), Pastor Maximillian Erwin, and Vice President Greg Coates who bear witness to these unstoppable, terrible events. Most characters do not anticipate these events. Even fewer survive. But such is the end of days.
On the bright side, this novel won’t let down apocalyptic genre enthusiasts, and that’s a fact. I don’t want to give potential readers the impression that this book is just a rehashing of some ‘unconvincing’ end times novel or tv series…because it isn’t. I believe that the plot is actually quite plausible, or at the very least, quite pertinent to the present day. The disasters that unfold, as well as the social and political collapse that follows, are pretty much in line with a lot of theological theories about end times events. So aside from suspense, action and drama, the book inspires a lot of thought provoking concepts about mankind’s future. Though it makes you wonder, I hope these apocalyptic events are not something we end up experiencing in our lifetimes. It’s certainly worth the time it took to read this book. I didn’t feel disappointed and I don’t think you will either. It is one of the most believable fictional end-of-the-world novels that I have read in a long time. Reviewed by: Uma Kiran
If you like watching movies like The Omen, Rosemary’s Baby, The Day Of The Beast and End Of Days, then reading Apollyon’s War will send shivers down your spine. This thrilling apocalyptic novel contains a flawless combination of horror, thriller, suspense and action. In this novel, the POTUS (Lucius Belvedere Maximus) is revealed to be the antichrist. He is cruel and barbaric and wastes no time in exposing the world to a global pandemic, natural disasters and social upheaval. At one point, there is no one left to directly challenge his reign of terror…until the end of the novel. So unfortunately, the whole world can only stand aside and hope for the best, in spite of the horror that is unfolding.
Undeniably, the storyline is believable and intertwines very nicely. I am particularly moved by the experiences of some of the main characters, especially Jamie and Fay, and their respective families. My heart broke because of Jamie’s loss, but she shows a great deal of resilience in the book. I emotionally connected with some characters and part of me briefly hoped for a better outcome for them all. But that’s the point of end times fiction. It’s supposed to be bold, shocking, startlingly authenthic and hair-raising.
All in all, the ending of this book is rough, but also not unexpected. Just mentally prepare yourself. In reality, you can’t anticipate a happy ending when the world around you is literally coming to an end. I love the fact that Glenda Norwood Petz doesn’t sugarcoat the events as they unfold but keeps the storyline as authentic as possible. Overall, the writing is superb and held my attention all the way. Fans who enjoy this genre should definitely give it a read. I give it a 5 star rating. Reviewed by: Carole Cummings
Apollyon’s War turns blood cold with its depiction of the fulfillment of the Biblical prophecy. The evil king is born and has ascended the throne, now ready to unleash Operation Wormwood. In every part of the world, mysterious things are happening, though, to unsuspecting eyes, they might just be common occurrences. For instance, the weatherman tells the good folks of Maine to prepare for a blizzard, but one local finds the weather report so unfounded that he calls the news station to register his displeasure: no way could there be a blizzard in the middle of summer. Somewhere near Florida, farmers are counting their chickens before they hatch, but then the sky is suddenly dark with insects. It’s not just the locust invasion that people should be worried about. A geologist and volcanologist, Dr. Jacob Underwood, has reasons to believe there would be a volcanic eruption on Mount Cereubus. The problem is, will the mayor believe him? Will people leave the unsafe places soon enough? As if these are not enough, the public is in the dark regarding the virus that has sneaked into the country. And there are rumors of another virus, deadlier than the one purported to have arrived from China.
In this book, Glenda Norwood Petz explores what awaits humanity during the end times, bringing to the fore the lack of preparedness, wickedness of Satan’s minions, and heroes and heroines who’d try to save the day but would be outnumbered in the end. Whereas the world has been through some worst times, for instance, the recent COVID-19, Glenda makes a case here that the end times will be the end of humanity.
This book will resonate with many readers. The suffering the characters go through makes them human enough, especially Erwin, Jamie, Tania, and many others. The bravery of Fay Bennett, Sue Mason, and Odessa is exemplary. Driving the book forward, Glenda’s voice is clear and easy to understand. Additionally, there are no difficult vocabularies or too many backstories that could have otherwise dragged the plot down.
Except for young readers and those who can’t read anything apocalyptic, this book should be everyone’s must-read. Reviewed by: Kennedy Odindo
Worldwide chaos and devastation swiftly precedes a global viral pandemic. The man responsible for it all is none other than the United States President, Lucius Belvedere Maximus. Known by many as a crazed, smooth-talking narcissist, who cares nothing for the Nation he swore to protect, his real agenda for the world is far more diabolical than you can ever imagine. The book gradually exposes him for who he really is. President Maximus is none other than Apollyon the Destroyer. His real mission (while masquerading as the President of the USA), is to bring about the complete destruction of the world through death, chaos, and social disorder.
This ‘son of Satan’ has been groomed for this role his entire life. He imagines himself as a god who will one day co-exist by his father’s side, in an unknown future. His mission is made successful by powerful, occultic, political ties who work, hidden in the dark, while granting this abominable being access to resources that would help him to succeed in his objectives. Sure, there are people who gradually fit the pieces of the puzzle together and try to stop him, but can they successfully thwart the plans of a demonic-being with nothing to lose, but everything to gain from the destruction of the world?
Overall, ‘Apollyon’s War’ is thrilling, highly engaging, and very thought-provoking. It is well-written and professionally edited. The book earns five stars, in my opinion, for its top-notch quality, excellent pacing, great character-development, entertainment value and overall shock factor. I know that we’re all supposed to hate the antagonist(s) in post-apocalyptic novels and films–and trust me, I do!! I have an indescribable amount of hatred for Maximus. But all in all, he fits the role perfectly. If there is ever a movie version of this book, I’d definitely clear my schedule and go watch it. Reviewed by: Mila Rovena
The Meadows by Glenda Norwood Petz is a twisted thriller following the investigation of a suspected human organ trafficking ring within the rich, private housing development called Sunnyside Meadows. FBI agents Willard Stroud and Lucinda Foley go undercover as Cal and Janna, a married couple looking to get away from their city jobs and reside in the quiet neighborhood of Sunnyside Meadows, where they have been tasked to investigate rumors of missing girls having a possible connection to the harvesting and selling of human organs on the black market. Upon moving in, Cal and Janna have their work cut out for them, finding themselves partnering up with a local detective investigating the murders of the previous inhabitants of the house the FBI agents were assigned to, believing there to be a connection between the cases. In a whirlwind of secrets, lies, eccentric neighbors, and a sadistic cult dabbling in criminal activity, The Meadows leads readers down a dark rabbit hole that reaches a catastrophic crescendo.
What impressed me most about The Meadows was how many backstories there were to follow, but it never seemed tedious or confusing. There were so many different characters residing within the prestigious community of Sunnyside Meadows with their own well developed lives, and each played a distinct role within the main plot of The Meadows. As Cal and Janna start their investigation, the oddities they learn about their neighbors leaves them questioning everyone, which truly made this book a fast-paced, exciting rollercoaster of a ride. Each chapter offered a new piece of information, staining Sunnyside Meadows in deceit and painting the community in a sinister light. The Meadows by Glenda Norwood Petz was a captivating read, and I especially found the cult aspect intriguing. Without spoiling the book for other readers, I will say this: if you have a weak stomach, I suggest you steer clear, because it definitely gets meaty.
Overall, The Meadows by Glenda Norwood Petz is a must read for fans of dark, twisted thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat. I would commit to reading a chapter before bed or during a lunch break at work, and couldn’t keep myself from reading another and another. The deeper readers get into the story, the deeper the secrets and lies. It was an absolute rush, and I would definitely recommend to my fellow thriller readers! Cris Prettyman, Reedsy
Glenda Norwood Petz, Author 